Your business card can be a foot in the door that can open up a world of contacts and potential sales for your business. If you don’t have a business card you should get one as soon as possible. Getting that business card into a potential client’s hand can be challenging and yet very simple.
There are many creative ways to get your business card into people’s hands. Leave one in the magazine rack at the checkout at the grocery store or “accidentally” drop them somewhere in a crowded area. Who knows, the person that stops to help you pick them up may need your services. Find local businesses, like an auto garage, that have a bulletin board or join a local service group and network with them. You may be able to set up something where you distribute their cards to an interested client you meet and they will do the same for you. Also don’t forget to give a few to friends and family. They will probably be your first clients and can give your card out to interested parties that they happen to meet in their travels.
Should you have to use mail to correspond with someone put one of your cards in there and also consider leaving one with your tip at a restaurant. Heading to a promotional event for your product, don’t forget to include your card with whatever material or sample you are working with.
Also consider including coupons with a card. The person who has the card may be less likely to just pitch the card in the trash now. Your business card will have your name and contact info on it, so don’t forget to include a website or social media account as well. Consider putting your picture on the card, sometimes for a client being able to match a face to a name can do wonders.
Business cards can also function as a loyalty card. People love getting anything for free just for being a customer. Ten punches on the card could net the customer a free t-shirt or cup. It’s a cheap expense for a potentially massive return. If your line of work has appointment times, use your card to give to the client and leave room to write the appointment time. Chances are the client will hang it in their house and someone may just ask about it. Use your business card as a referral program. Tell your customer to write their name on the back of the card when they give it to someone who will then give it to you. The referrer then can get some sort of reward and the cycle can continue. While you are at it, if you are hosting an event use your business card as a ticket to that event.
Just remember that not everyone that you come into contact with wants your business card. Thrusting it into their hard is usually not going to make them want to remember you or think fondly of you. Of course if the other person gives you their card return the favor. This gives you their information so that you can be proactive and contact them rather than waiting for you to return the call. Know any social customs that come with exchanging a business card with a foreigner, like with the Japanese who have very specific customs when it comes to the exchange. Knowing this, can help you stand out from the crown.
